4 Biggest Car Accident Settlements in US History
Car accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. When negligence or misconduct is involved, victims or their families can pursue legal action. This can sometimes lead to significant financial settlements or jury verdicts.
It is important to hire a local attorney because they will know the regional laws. For example, an accident occurred in Colorado Springs that closed the roadways on 28 June, 2024. The fire department and medical team responded to the site. It was said that multiple people were transported to the nearby hospital.
Suppose the accident occurred due to a particular driver’s negligence. In that case, the victims can hire a local car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs and take legal recourse. This can get them the rightful compensation.
The following are some of the biggest car accident settlements in US history, highlighting the impact of these incidents and the importance of accountability.
$4.9 Billion Verdict in GM Fuel Tank Case
One of the largest car accident settlements in US history is the $4.9 billion jury verdict against General Motors in 1999. This case involved a tragic accident where six people were severely burned after their 1979 Chevrolet Malibu was rear-ended, causing the fuel tank to explode.
The plaintiffs argued that GM knew about the dangerous design of the fuel tank but failed to take action to fix it. The jury agreed, awarding $4.9 billion in total, which sent a strong message about the consequences of putting profits over safety.
This landmark case underscored the responsibility of automakers to ensure their vehicles are safe for consumers. The amount included $4.8 billion in punitive damages. However, the amount was later reduced to $3 billion, while the $107.6 million in compensatory damages were kept as is.
Among the most recent accident settlements made by GM was for its robo-taxi brand Cruise. GM-owned Cruise hit and dragged a pedestrian in the Fall of 2023. The company reached a settlement between $8 and $12 million with the victim. Although the exact amount and date when the settlement was reached are unclear, Fortune verified the information.
$71 Million Verdict for Spinal Injury in New York
In a record-setting case in New York, a jury awarded $71 million to a plaintiff who suffered a severe spinal injury in a car accident. The accident occurred when a vehicle collided with the plaintiff’s car, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
The plaintiff’s legal team argued that the driver of the other vehicle was grossly negligent, leading to catastrophic injuries. This significant verdict highlighted the severe consequences of reckless driving and the substantial compensation that can be awarded to victims who suffer life-altering injuries.
Car accidents and fatalities due to them have been a rising occurrence in New York state. Recent data shows that the state witnessed 1,175 traffic fatalities in 2022. This was the highest number in the past decade, with 245 fatalities in Long Island alone.
If you were hit by a car, you can hire a local attorney and file a lawsuit against the negligent party. According to Springs Law Group, a local attorney can help ensure you get the right settlement amount by negotiating with the insurance company. If the insurance provider doesn’t agree to the right amount, the lawyer can also represent you in court.
$26 Million Settlement for Texas Driver with Traumatic Brain Injury
A Texas driver who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an auto accident secured a $26 million settlement. The accident involved a commercial vehicle, and the plaintiff’s legal team demonstrated that the trucking company had failed to maintain proper safety standards.
As a result of the crash, the plaintiff suffered permanent cognitive impairments and required lifelong care. This hefty settlement underscored the need for commercial vehicle operators to adhere to strict safety requirements to safeguard all road users.
$37.3 Million Settlement for Shasta County Family
In 2019, a Shasta County man suffered a tragic accident while working on a highway. The victim was a construction worker who was run over by a vehicle on Highway 101 while repairing it. The case was filed against Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) for not warning drivers of the repair work.
The case involved a dangerous stretch of road that the plaintiffs argued Caltrans had failed to properly maintain and warn drivers about. The accident made him paralyzed and unfit to continue working anymore for his entire life.
The jury initially awarded the plaintiff and his family $56.5 million. However, when Caltrans appealed the verdict, the victim and his family agreed to settle the case for $37.35 million.
One of the most recent accidents involving Caltrans occurred in May 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Caltrans hired a dozen contract workers to clean the embankment below the 71 Freeway. When cleaning, the victim was hit by a box truck that lost control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest litigation in history?
The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was the biggest lawsuit in history, filed in November 1998. This was when major companies from the tobacco industry agreed to pay the settlement amount to 46 US states. It sought to resolve disputes brought by states seeking to recoup healthcare expenditures linked with tobacco-related ailments.
What is the longest legal case in the history of the USA?
The Myra Clark Gaines case is supposedly the longest ever in the history of the USA. That’s because the case lasted more than fifty years. It began in 1834, and the final ruling came in 1889 in favor of the plaintiff and against the city of New Orleans.
What was the fastest court case ever in the USA?
One of the fastest court cases in US history is that of Markease Hill for charges of murder. The verdict came within six minutes after entering the deliberation room. Moreover, the trial went on only for five and a half days before the verdict was given.
These historic settlements and rulings highlight the devastating effects of vehicle accidents on victims and their families. They also emphasize the significance of responsibility for those who are accountable, whether they be individuals, businesses, or government organizations. These incidents serve as a reminder of the significant need for safety precautions and laws to avoid such tragedies from occurring in the future.
